How to Manage Stress

Everyone faces stress. It’s just how you deal with it that makes it better or worse for you. Here are some ways you can manage your stress:

Everyone faces stress. It’s just how you deal with it that makes it better or worse for you. Here are some ways you can manage your stress:

Food

Improper consumption of food could be one of the reasons why your stress levels are up. Try staying away from binge eating and junk foods. Try and eat more salads and fruits. Adopt a healthy food habit.

Alcohol

Don’t think for one second that drinking alcohol is relieving your stress. Sure it relaxes you, takes your mind off things momentarily, but it is not a permanent solution. Avoid alcohol abuse.

Getting Started: It is vital to start the day with something that lowers your anxiety levels. This is akin to taking an antidepressant early in the day. However, rather than consuming pills, you need ... more

Getting Started: It is vital to start the day with something that lowers your anxiety levels. This is akin to taking an antidepressant early in the day. However, rather than consuming pills, you need to invest time in some form of soothing activity, like a few minutes of yoga or meditation. Combine this with simple things like sipping tea when seated snugly in your balcony or doing a few stretches. less

You don’t have to be a people-pleaser all the time. In fact you don’t have to be one at all. If taking too much work and responsibility is adding to your woes, learn to say no. Tell people you already have too much going on at the moment and can’t take any more work, then be it home or office.

Exercise

Have a regular schedule for exercise. It could be walking, running, skipping, swimming, tennis, anything that is physical in nature and will get your heart running. Exercise releases endorphins that make you feel better. Plus if you are healthier you will be able to cope up with things in a better manner.

Relaxation

Set aside 10-15 min everyday for meditation. The idea is to relax your mind completely. Learn some meditation techniques by reading books on it or by referring the internet. And practise it every day. Even before you go to bed, simply close your eyes, think positive things and go to sleep with a smile on your face.

Plan

Plan your day and life better. Plan for little things. Suppose there’s a meeting coming up, plan for it. Decide what time you want to get there, what you’re going to wear, what you’re going to say – pre-decide everything. Check fuel in your car, air etc. Once you take care of these little things, you will be much more relaxed.

Goals

It’s great to have goals – a millionaire by the time you turn 40. Possible. But when you set goals for yourself make them realistic. Don’t set your goals too high and then stress over it when you can’t reach them.

Let go

There are certain things that are in your control, and certain things that aren’t. If driving in heavy traffic every morning gets you riled up, get a chauffer, or use the public transport or opt for car pooling. You need to learn to let go of things that are beyond your control. If people on the road are honking incessantly or someone is jumping red lights, there’s nothing much you can do about it. By getting angry or stressed about it you will only be boiling your own blood. So chill.

Dealing with stress is easy. Make a list of things that are stressing you and eliminate them bit by bit. When you feel you’re getting too stressed, watch a comedy movie and laugh it off.

Let me take you to the peace and quiet of the tea gardens of Assam, Nilgiris, Darjeeling and Meghalaya, where every tea leaf is brimming with life of its own. Here reside some of the people who care and nurture for your tea leaf before it gets processed, packaged and finally brewed to perfection. More »